Panelists: (comprised of urban foresters and certified arborists) • John Warner, Texas A&M Forest Service, Facilitator • Jordy Herrin, Texas A&M Forest Service, Chat box monitor • Mark Kroeze, Texas A&M Forest Service • Jack Hill, Burditt Consultants, LLC • Michael Gabrielse, Burditt Consultants, LLC What we will cover today in All About Trees Tree Pruning: Why prune, pruning types, pruning guidelines, wound wood, codominant stems, bad pruning habits, physiological characteristics of trees Tree Planting: Proper planting, when to plant, planting stock Tree Facts & Quiz Tree Root Architecture Small absorbing roots Lateral roots Sinker roots Taproot = Topping a tree is considered a healthy way of pruning. True or False? False! Topping, de- horning, hat-racking or what ever you want to call it is NOT recognized by any of the professional arboriculture organizations, urban forestry professionals or certified arborists as an approved method of pruning. Pruning Trees Proper pruning helps keep plants’ attractive and vigorous and will add years to the plant’s health. Many people are apprehensive about pruning, but knowing how, when and why to prune will end these fears. Basic Pruning Questions May include but are not limited to: – Three D’s – Dead, Dying or Diseased – Improve Tree Structure & Form – Crowded – Reducing risk – Potential hazards – Improving aesthetics – Satisfying a specific need Basic Pruning Guidelines •Prune first for safety, next for health, and finally for aesthetics. •Never prune trees that are touching or near utility lines; instead consult your local utility company. •Always have a reason for pruning •TREES DO NOT HEAL THEY SEAL Basic Pruning Guidelines • Remove broken or hanging limbs immediately before they fall. • Most pruning to remove the 3-D’s can be done at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. • Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided. • The preferred pruning season is from late fall (onset of dormancy) to early spring (before bud break). When to prune Basic Pruning Tools Three Cut Method Three Cut Method Second cut First cut Final cut Three-Cut method for larger diameter limbs Three Cut Method Small branches Natural Target Pruning Technique for Dead Branch Removal ANSI Pruning Types American National Standard Institute • Raising • Reduction ANSI Pruning Types American National Standard Institute • Reduction • Drop-crotching (crown reduction) ANSI Pruning Types American National Standard Institute • Cleaning • Thinning removal Improper cut • If branches are allowed to fall without support, trees can be injured as shown here • Branch should have been undercut first to prevent this • Use the three cut method to remove branches Improper pruning Branch collar – proper cut Branch collar – proper cut Branch collar – proper cut Proper pruning and callus tissue Branch collar – proper cut STOP TOPPING Eight Good Reasons Not to Top Trees • Starvation • Shock • Insects and disease • Weak limbs • Rapid new growth • Tree Death • Ugliness • Cost Flush Cuts Pruning cuts that originate inside the branch bark ridge or the branch collar, causing unnecessary injury to stem tissues by promoting decay. Pruning Paint “Placebo” - making the user feel good Research shows that paint or wound dressings do not stop decay nor cause the wound to close (seal) faster Successful Pruning Correct Tools Correct Time Correct Technique Flush Cuts Stub Cuts Pruning cuts made too far outside the branch bark ridge or branch collar, that leave branch tissue attached to the stem. Promotes decay. Pruning Young Trees Avoid pruning newly planted trees for first 2-3 years Leave temporary branches Select permanent branches Establish good form & structure Defects • Trees are misshapen or require major corrective pruning • Defects may take several years to correct • Double leader on bottom half of the tree defect Strong Branch Union Characterized by WIDER angles of attachment (Branch Axils) and a much stronger branch union. Weak Branch Union Characterized by very narrow angles of attachment (Branch Axils) and very weak unions. Pruning Mature Trees Avoid over-thinning the interior of the tree (“lion-tailing”). Maintain proper crown ratio. Do not remove more than 25% of live crown at one time. Check for structural defects. Over pruning • Pruning • 3-cut method • Hand pruners • Pole saw • Bark ridge • Branch collar • Included bark • Strong branch union • Weak branch union • Topping • Flush cut • Cleaning, raising, thinning, and reduction cuts Proper Planting What is wrong with this planting? Traditional staking methods Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 • All these systems require removal within one year of planting • Balled and Burlapped • Bare root • Container grown • Containerized • Girdling root • Guying • Planting specifications • Root ball • Staking • Wire basket .